Welcome to HDFS 349!!!

Whether families are by blood or by choice, we all have families. Therefore, the information covered in this class will be valuable to each and every one for you. It will help you to interact in positive and developmentally appropriate ways with children and families from varying backgrounds. By keeping a class wiki, we are compiling information that will help you better understand the family you came from, interact positively with the family you might one day have, communicate with every person you meet along the way, and even study effectively for the exams.

There are 3 or 4 students assigned to each subject covered in class (as listed in your syllabus). These students are responsible for choosing a topic from that subject area and updating the class wiki by completing the requirements listed below. Each student must pick a different topic from the subject area, so
be sure to check the class wiki before beginning your assignment to make sure no one else has already chosen your topic.

Wiki assignments are due one week after the subject is covered in class. (For example, if you are assigned to History and Theory of Childrearing, which is covered on January 12, then your wiki assignment is due on January 19). At that time, I will review the information you have added and assign you a grade (out of 25 points) based on your contributions. I will also add, delete, or change any information that is inaccurate.

Any class member is welcome to edit/add to the wiki at any point in time. The wiki software allows me to see who has made what changes at what time. This will ensure that class members post only appropriate information, and it will also allow me to grade each student based on his/her individual contribution, and not the changes that have been made by classmates.

Each wiki assignment must include the following information:
  1. One paragraph (minimum of five quality sentences) about the topic. (12.5 points)
    • This may include but is not limited to: a definition of the topic, the leading researchers/founder of the topic, how to measure the topic, the history of the topic
  2. A one paragraph (minimum of five quality sentences) summary of why this topic is important for parents and/or professionals working with families. (12.5 points)
    • This may include but is not limited to: why it is important for parents/professionals to know about this topic, how parents/professionals can use this topic to encourage positive interactions with children and positive developmental outcomes, how professionals can use this information when working with families

*In order to receive all 25 points for this assignment, you must complete each of the requirements listed above in its entirety.


To complete your wiki assignment, simply click on your subject on the left side of the page. Next, click on the "edit" button in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Type the title of the topic you have chosen, then start typing your assignment. You may edit your topic or add information to the topics others have posted at any time, but I will grade the information you have posted to the wiki page one week after the subject has been covered in class.

You can find two sample assignments under the "History and Theory of Childrearing" link on the left side of the page.

*You are not required to use resources other than those for our class, but if you do, you need to cite the resources, as is done in the first sample assignment.